On this sunny day, the frogs are lounging on stones heated by the sun’s rays. Some prefer to jump into the water when visitors arrive. Last Tuesday (Editor’s noteApril 23), Yann Wehrling, vice-president (without label) in charge of Ecological Transition, Climate and Biodiversity at the regional council, went to Champlan to launch the “1,000 ponds” plan.
“There are currently 30,000 ponds in Île-de-France,” recalls Yann Wehrling. But much more is needed because they are exceptional reservoirs of biodiversity, offering islands of freshness and sheltering a wealth of fascinating flora and fauna. Just like the wetlands that are crucial for the territory, particularly in the face of flooding risks. It is a very effective and fairly inexpensive solution to benefit the environment. And contrary to popular belief, these are not mosquito reserves if they are well managed. »
Concretely, the “1,000 ponds” plan comes in the form of financial assistance of up to 5,000 euros for the creation of a pond and up to 2,500 euros for the restoration of an existing pond. “This is aimed at communities, associations and individuals,” explains Yann Wehrling. Wherever they are in Île-de-France. »
To carry out this plan, the regional council is counting on the support of the National Society for the Protection of Nature (SNPN), whose vice-president Marie-Odile Grandchamp was also present in Champlan. This town of less than 3,000 inhabitants located in the north-west of Essonne, a few kilometers from Massy, was not chosen by chance: a pond benefited from the advice of the SNPN.
“It has existed for five years,” says Christian Leclerc, the mayor (without label) of Champlan. The SNPN helped us to better promote it, particularly in terms of vegetation. We are very concerned about carrying out actions to protect the environment and our living environment. »
The pond is also located right next to the town’s environmental center inaugurated at the beginning of the week, with a terrace overlooking the family gardens and a very green valley in the distance. “This Champlan pond is a very beautiful work,” underlines Victor Dupuy, ecologist and head of pond studies in Île-de-France for the SNPN. The shape of a sort of large bean is very interesting, we have shaded parts, others very sunny… All of this allows for a fairly significant diversity of plant and animal species. »
The National Society for the Protection of Nature is organizing its 9th pond festival from June 1 to 9. On this occasion, on June 5 in Champlan, she will offer a nighttime discovery of the pond on which the region relied to launch its vast plan.
